Afternoon Update: Guns and Ammo Seized From Dorm Room of UVA-Shooting Suspect

U. of Texas system commits to Chicago free-speech policy; Auburn professor awarded $646,000 in damages; Towson honors Turning Point adviser; and more. ADVERTISEMENT [Afternoon Update Logo]( Did someone forward you this newsletter? [Sign up free]( to receive your own copy. CAMPUS SAFETY [Guns and Ammunition Seized From Dormitory Room of Suspect in UVA Shooting]( The [student charged]( in the [deaths]( of three University of Virginia football players had a semiautomatic rifle, a pistol, ammunition, magazines, and a device used to make bullets fire faster, according to a search-warrant inventory. (The Daily Progress, The Chronicle) ADVERTISEMENT ADVICE [7 Tips for Scholars on Writing for Nonacademics]( By Rachel Toor [STORY IMAGE]( To reach a wider audience, try to unlearn a few habits. CAMPUS SPEECH [U. of Texas System Commits to Free Speech, Even Words Seen as ‘Offensive’ or ‘Immoral’]( The Board of Regents unanimously adopted the [Chicago Statement]( a declaration of commitment to free speech devised by the University of Chicago in 2014 and since approved by some 90 colleges. The policy’s only restriction is on speech that breaks the law or makes a threat. (The Texas Tribune) ACADEMIC FREEDOM [Jury Awards Auburn U. Professor $646,000 in Damages in Retaliation Lawsuit]( Michael L. Stern, a tenured economist, sued in 2018 after he was removed as department chair and denied a raise, allegedly because he had served as a source to news outlets, including The Chronicle, about a [controversial major favored by athletes](. (The Auburn Plainsman, The Chronicle) PHILANTHROPY [Auditorium at Towson U. to Be Named for Adviser to Turning Point USA Chapter]( The room will be dedicated to Richard E. Vatz, a longtime donor and professor in the department of instructional leadership and professional development. He has drawn criticism for sponsoring the right-wing group despite [leaked messages]( this fall in which its members used homophobic, racial, and ableist slurs. (The Towerlight) UGLY IMAGE [Volleyball Team From HBCU in Alabama Withdraws From Tournament After Racial Abuse]( In the incident, which happened during the Southern States Athletic Conference’s awards banquet last week, a player on the women’s team from Talladega College received a “racially motivated picture” that was described only as “vile and vicious.” (Associated Press) STUDENT LIFE [U. of Kentucky Fraternity Had a Culture of Hazing, Investigation Reveals]( Members of the FarmHouse Fraternity were subjected to [shotgunning a beer]( trust-falling from the bed of a pickup truck, and kidnapping. The investigation, conducted after the [death by alcohol toxicity]( of a freshman pledge in 2021, found a “deeply ingrained culture of alcohol and hazing behaviors.” (Kentucky Kernel, Louisville Courier Journal) LEGAL BATTLE [2 Colleges in Texas Settle Lawsuit Over Nursing School]( Under an agreement announced this week, McMurry University will retain control of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing while Hardin-Simmons University will start its own nursing program by 2025. (KTAB/KRBC) CUTBACKS [American Public U. Announces 98 Layoffs and Cuts 78 Positions]( The for-profit educator’s parent corporation said the moves would affect its four adult-education companies. (Spirit of Jefferson) ATHLETICS [Whittier College Ends Football Program After 115 Years]( The California college, which plays Division III sports, is also eliminating teams in men’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s golf. Probably the Poets’ most notable gridiron alumnus was Richard M. Nixon, a tackle on the 1932 team. (San Gabriel Valley Tribune) EVENTS [Browse Upcoming and On-Demand Virtual Events]( [STORY IMAGE]( Join a discussion with national experts and leading practitioners on how to navigate an uncertain future and what new ideas your institution can pursue. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. SPONSOR CONTENT | Utrecht University [‘Standing back to watch staff being tormented simply isn’t an option’]( ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [Reimagining the Student Experience - The Chronicle Store]( [Reimagining the Student Experience]( Many colleges are intentionally rethinking and reshaping what has broadly become known as the student experience. [Order your copy today]( to explore the many forces affecting the student experience with the goal of making students’ time on campus more engaging. NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK [Please let us know what you thought of today's newsletter in this three-question survey](. This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. [Manage]( your newsletter preferences, [stop receiving]( this email, or [view]( our privacy policy. © 2022 [The Chronicle of Higher Education]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037